Help kids struggling with poverty in the Lower Mainland

Can you remember the excitement leading up to a school break?

For most children, these breaks are associated with fun, spending time with their friends, or going on holidays. But unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Sadly, one in five youths are struggling with poverty in the Lower Mainland. They don’t have adequate adult supervision, access to nutritious meals, or get the chance to participate in any activities.

But luckily, KidSafe is providing more than 390 vulnerable youth and children with the support they need during school breaks with educational programming, nutrition, and safety.

Here are just some of the ways that KidSfe is helping communities across the Lower mainland.

Incredible history

Operating for the last 24 years, KidSafe has served more than one million nutritious meals to youths in the region, and provided more than 2.5 million hours of safety, programming, and supervision.

Access to community

During school winter, spring, and summer holidays KidSafe offers break-time programs at five inner-city elementary school sites. These programs give children the chance to engage with other youths and enjoy participating in meaningful activities like sports, arts, and music.

Promoting friendship

Feeling a sense of belonging with peers and developing friendships are fundamental parts of childhood. Life can be difficult for children if they’re deprived of friendships and attending a KidSafe program could be the first step to helping them feel that sense of belonging.

Beneficial for health

If children are not receiving the adequate support they need at home, they may not have good health habits. KidSafe aims to promote good health habits for children attending their programs. This covers everything from having a breakfast, meals with family members, and good sleeping habits.

Helps school and family life

The programs offered by KidSafe are rooted in social and emotional learning and development through implementing all key aspects to their overall well-being in early years. The programs help support relationships with adults at home, at school, and in the community.

How you can help

You can personally contribute to the amazing KidSafe programs by donating to the organization’s online fundraising campaign, that runs until April 28. During that time local entrepreneur Shafin Diamond Tejani, will be matching every dollar donated to the campaign up to $50,000.

Tejani has launched over 40 start-ups in 21 countries. The investor is a member of the Social Venture Partners Vancouver – a network of philanthropists who donate time, expertise, and funding to non-profits.

In 2015, Tejani was the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award for Business Leader in BC and the North. He kindly dedicated this award to KidSafe.

To donate, all you have to do is follow the steps online.

And to find out more about the work KidSafe does, check out the organization’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.